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Autism is considered an organic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social, communication, and intellectual developmental disturbance.

It was first described in 1943, and was thought at the time that parents were not giving their children enough love and attention. It is now realized that the parents are in no way to blame for the condition.

It is generally diagnosed by age three. Based on age of onset, it may be called infantile autism or childhood-onset autism (also called pervasive developmental disorder). These have not been proven to be different disorders, although infantile autism is usually more severe.

Characterized by a state of self-absorbance, delayed communication, and a need to maintain routine and repetitive bizarre motor patterns.

Usually, parents first notice that their baby does not respond to them. The baby may not look at the parents or may not want to be picked up and held.

Slow development or lack of physical, social, and learning skills.

Development may appear to be uneven. For example, motor development may be normal, but talking is delayed. Also, the child may show a talent for music or drawing but be unable to go to a regular school.

Immature rhythms of speech, limited understanding of ideas, use of words without attaching the usual meaning to them.

Unresponsive to what is said to them. May appear to be deaf, but really they do not learn the meaning of words. Often seem to be talking to themselves instead of to people around them.

Sometimes indicate their needs by gesturing, but usually scream, cry, or have temper tantrums.